国内英语新闻:Visiting Chinese General meets Australian Air Chief

CANBERRA, May 14 (Xinhua) -- Visiting General Guo Boxiong, Vice- Chairmen of China's Central Military Commission met the Australian Chief of the Defense Force Air Chief Marshall Angus Houston on Friday.

Guo said China and Australia have extensive range of common interests and hold responsibilities in safeguarding regional stability and promoting common development.

The two countries are important trading partners, maintaining good dialogues and consultation in responding to international financial crisis, climate change and other major issues such as the Asia-Pacific regional cooperation, he added.

According to Guo, defense and military relations between China and Australia in recent years are more matured, more dynamic and the cooperation has great potential and bright prospects for development.

In order to better response to the diversity of regional and global challenges, the two sides need to further strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, consolidate the basis of mutually beneficial cooperation, the Chinese General said.

Houston said that together with the increasing national strength, China will play a greater role in global and regional affairs. Australia hopes to strengthen cooperation with China in communication and cooperation, jointly safeguarding regional peace and stability.

He said that meanwhile, the Australian government is satisfied with the current bilateral defense and military relations.

Guo arrived on Tuesday in Australia for an official visit, and held talks with Australian Defense Minister John Faulkner and met with Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith.